Understanding use of Welsh language services in the health sector

Why the client needed the research
The Welsh Language Board required research to:
- better understand usage of the Welsh language in the health sector
- understand barriers to its use in the sector
- help direct Welsh language policy in the health sector
Our approach
The approach centred on the need to gain insight into Welsh speakers’ views and opinions on usage of the Welsh language in the health sector. The knowledge gained from the research would help the Welsh Language Board better understand the barriers that Welsh speakers may experience whilst trying to use the language in hospitals, GPs and other health organisations.

A survey of 1,000 Welsh speakers was conducted via a paper questionnaire, administered face to face by our team of highly experienced interviewers. All respondents were offered the opportunity to conduct the interview in their preferred language.

The outcome
The data showed that many who had contact with an individual service in the health sector but did not receive the service in Welsh would have liked to have done so. But it also showed that a significant proportion was also satisfied with the current level of Welsh language provision in the sector. The results helped the Welsh Language Board develop policies that would impact on future Government legislation in this area.

What the client said
“We’ve used Beaufort Research’s Omnibus Surveys to research several topics to good effect.” (Welsh Language Board)